We know we need some penalties for protecting workers from Covid. The extent of those penalties is open to debate. A case brought forward by Associated Builders & Contractors of Michigan and DJ’s Lawn Service, Inc. indicates that the maximum penalties is a misdemeanor. I think this may have been set in the original EO laws (not going to spend the time to look it up). It is a balance because workplaces do need to protect workers but sometimes get neglectful in the need to make a profit. At the same time, we want to ensure that such violations are appropriate to the "crime". It was $70K, up to felonies, and administered by MIOSHA. There will be some decision on whether to appeal by the Attorney General. It may not be worth it as COVID cases are on the decline. Probably better to just let it go for the moment........................as the need for these measures may be lessening.
On the flip side, one could easily make the other argument that we could have a surge and might be strategically acceptable to appeal to ensure bad actors don't circumvent reasonable protections. However, there is no guarantee that there will be a surge and we may not be sure how many people are violating such rules. With any movement there are some issues as they associate with risk and reward from each of the main two perspectives. We do know that business has a major influence in economic development so all regulations must find the "happy place" balance. Move too closely to no regulations and some businesses take advantage and move to far into regulation and business is stifled. We haven't found where this should during a pandemic and who has what kind of responsibilities.
Typically I like to use what is necessary for the time to curb bad actors and return to "run the railroad" balance where things function in homeostasis. This is where good data will help determine the amount, cost and violations that are occurring. If there isn't a lot of violators and the risks are relatively low we do not need major regulations. We can also consider the process of encouraging self-regulation while strengthening the ability to hold those who do not consider the health of their workers accountable. I think there may be a lot of philosophies here.
You can see register of actions here https://webinquiry.courts.michigan.gov/WISearchResults/ViewPage1?commoncaseid=823961
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
Monday, June 15, 2020
There are a lot of things to complain about....but we should enjoy the little things.
Complaining only works when it comes with solutions. Complaining to complain rarely has a positive effect as people block out the essential message. I guess we become prone to sort of protecting our time and cognitive focus.
Take the time and sit back and enjoy the small pleasures of life....it is those that lead to a more meaningful path. Work smart, relax, and enjoy. Do stuff that is meaningful and you won't complain about much.
Take the time and sit back and enjoy the small pleasures of life....it is those that lead to a more meaningful path. Work smart, relax, and enjoy. Do stuff that is meaningful and you won't complain about much.
Trump to Sign Executive Orders on Police Reform
The President put together a quick preview of what is to be expected in his police reform bill. There is a balance to be used here. We know the police need reform and we know there are bad people. We also know that the culture of policing has changed over the years as crime has risen. Thus, it is important to provide some metric changes as well as help for community members when smaller crimes are committed that are more due to mental health, poverty or addiction.
We also know that bad apple police seem to create multiple problems throughout their careers and have some kind of immunity and protection. While I don't believe police officers should be removed for mistakes I do think they need to be removed for malicious intent. We know the difference between right and wrong.
On the flip side, we shouldn't be profiling people based on color and income. We should be engaging with people and trying to understand them well before acting. It is tough for police to be all to everyone but they do a necessary job. It would be great to have no police in a Utopian society. Were not there yet so they have an important job to do. They should do that with compassion and kindness.
This reform package isn't likely to be the last word but is likely to be a significant part of the conversation. Congress will hash out additional details. Getting into the conversation early allows information to be framed in a way that is likely influence the outcomes. We have to take both perspectives of Republicans and Democrats, and other minority/majority, stake holders to create a system that is trusted by everyone.
Remove bad policy and promote good police is important. Other issues will be the need for prisons versus mental health/addiction help. A soul that is in pain but wants to recover is different than a soul that is bent on hurting other people. Thus.....prisons are necessary and very expensive. They should be saved for those who cannot commit to change and improvement.
1. Tracking
2. Social workers to work with law enforcement.
3. Referrals to mental health institutions.
4. Federal grants to agencies that engage in reform.
5. Expectations of Congress to pass additional legislation to address broad racism.
6. Investing in minority communities.
We also know that bad apple police seem to create multiple problems throughout their careers and have some kind of immunity and protection. While I don't believe police officers should be removed for mistakes I do think they need to be removed for malicious intent. We know the difference between right and wrong.
On the flip side, we shouldn't be profiling people based on color and income. We should be engaging with people and trying to understand them well before acting. It is tough for police to be all to everyone but they do a necessary job. It would be great to have no police in a Utopian society. Were not there yet so they have an important job to do. They should do that with compassion and kindness.
This reform package isn't likely to be the last word but is likely to be a significant part of the conversation. Congress will hash out additional details. Getting into the conversation early allows information to be framed in a way that is likely influence the outcomes. We have to take both perspectives of Republicans and Democrats, and other minority/majority, stake holders to create a system that is trusted by everyone.
Remove bad policy and promote good police is important. Other issues will be the need for prisons versus mental health/addiction help. A soul that is in pain but wants to recover is different than a soul that is bent on hurting other people. Thus.....prisons are necessary and very expensive. They should be saved for those who cannot commit to change and improvement.
1. Tracking
2. Social workers to work with law enforcement.
3. Referrals to mental health institutions.
4. Federal grants to agencies that engage in reform.
5. Expectations of Congress to pass additional legislation to address broad racism.
6. Investing in minority communities.
Why People Lie? A Few Good Honest Reasons!
I spent some time thinking about why people lie. It seems very common and people do it all the time. There are different types of lies that range from the innocent to the malicious. I've experienced such lies myself and I guess in my life I may have told a few myself. However, I'm more concerned about those who lie all the time and they lie in a malicious way. This is what I can think of.....
1. Lie to Protect: Sometimes we may not want to say certain things or we feel like we don't want to answer a question. For example, if someone you don't know well asks you a personal question and you may say some sort of wishy washy answer. I don't really consider these lies. You may also lie to protect someone.
2. Lie for Power: These are the types of lies that many politicians and people who want to create influence. Its hard to have honest discussions and often people are unforgiving when legitimate mistakes are made. Therefore, we might be inclined to lie to soften the blow or create more influence.
3. Lie for Ego: Some people lie to make themselves look and feel more important than they are. Likely has a root in low self-esteem and the need to have constant approval.
4. Lie to Damage: There are those who lie to damage. While these may have deep psychological needs they are still designed to inflict pain on others for testing them, not bending to their will, because they are jealous, and so many other low functioning reasons. Such people are destructive and manipulative.
5. Lie to Cover: While this may be similar to lie to protect these are lies to cover one's own wrong doings. Its not the same as an inappropriate question you don't want to answer or to protect someone. This is about making sure one doesn't get in trouble for past behavior. Someone who stole, committed crimes, etc... simple don't like being held accountable.
1. Lie to Protect: Sometimes we may not want to say certain things or we feel like we don't want to answer a question. For example, if someone you don't know well asks you a personal question and you may say some sort of wishy washy answer. I don't really consider these lies. You may also lie to protect someone.
2. Lie for Power: These are the types of lies that many politicians and people who want to create influence. Its hard to have honest discussions and often people are unforgiving when legitimate mistakes are made. Therefore, we might be inclined to lie to soften the blow or create more influence.
3. Lie for Ego: Some people lie to make themselves look and feel more important than they are. Likely has a root in low self-esteem and the need to have constant approval.
4. Lie to Damage: There are those who lie to damage. While these may have deep psychological needs they are still designed to inflict pain on others for testing them, not bending to their will, because they are jealous, and so many other low functioning reasons. Such people are destructive and manipulative.
5. Lie to Cover: While this may be similar to lie to protect these are lies to cover one's own wrong doings. Its not the same as an inappropriate question you don't want to answer or to protect someone. This is about making sure one doesn't get in trouble for past behavior. Someone who stole, committed crimes, etc... simple don't like being held accountable.
Sunday, June 14, 2020
Larry Kudlow and Jake Tapper: Discuss Economic Recovery
Senior White House Economist Larry Kudlow discusses the potential of economic development growth. While no one knows for sure what happens because economic projections are a little like "looking into a crystal ball" you can look at economic indicators. For example, buying houses at low interest rates is a level of optimism. One might look at what companies are growing and what companies are suffering the most. As states open up we may also better determine the extent of economic damage.
Of course all of this is dependent on not having a major spike, international conflict, civil unrest, etc.... These are unknowns. On the flip side if we focus more on developing businesses, removing racism and bigotry (Sorry I see them both as problems), and developing a strong and fair capitalistic system without the "wet blanket" dampening approach that neglects the natural devleopment of small businesses we may have a fabulous economy in the near future.
Large businesses are great for our economy but they also have influence and financial power. Laws seem to be skewed to help these large businesses succeed. However, we can't have creative destruction if there is an environment that hampers new small businesses. There must be breaking down and regeneration for a cycle of growth. Many of these businesses may become large and in turn become, according to transactional theories, too inefficient and break apart by natural market forces.
Its a cycle. So rethinking our economic system for egalitarian entrepreneurship opportunities through low interest loans and better investment mechanisms can make a difference in creating strong economic recovery and sustainability. It also helps companies gain new sources of innovation. Having an economy that can balance big, medium and little businesses into clusters systems can help improve overall innovative growth.
Of course all of this is dependent on not having a major spike, international conflict, civil unrest, etc.... These are unknowns. On the flip side if we focus more on developing businesses, removing racism and bigotry (Sorry I see them both as problems), and developing a strong and fair capitalistic system without the "wet blanket" dampening approach that neglects the natural devleopment of small businesses we may have a fabulous economy in the near future.
Large businesses are great for our economy but they also have influence and financial power. Laws seem to be skewed to help these large businesses succeed. However, we can't have creative destruction if there is an environment that hampers new small businesses. There must be breaking down and regeneration for a cycle of growth. Many of these businesses may become large and in turn become, according to transactional theories, too inefficient and break apart by natural market forces.
Its a cycle. So rethinking our economic system for egalitarian entrepreneurship opportunities through low interest loans and better investment mechanisms can make a difference in creating strong economic recovery and sustainability. It also helps companies gain new sources of innovation. Having an economy that can balance big, medium and little businesses into clusters systems can help improve overall innovative growth.
Lap Swimming the Ocean for Fitness
Sorry...I went a little on a soap box.
Anyway...I went ocean swimming and it was more fun than I thought. I have underwater headset to listen to music in the pool. It works well in the ocean as well. So I went on my way, put on my wet suit, through over my hood and jumped into the water.
It wasn't that cold with the suit. I swam back and for for about 45 minutes. The waves make a much more difficult swim then in the pool. Thus, I suspect with the suit and fighting the waves my swim burned many more calories.
Stay Safe and try some new stuff. Life is short so enjoy it!
President Trump delivers West Point commencement speech
President Trump delivers military speech as West Point. Our military is in a state of transition. There are new honor codes being developed and the essential skills needed to be learned are becoming highly complex and technologically oriented. The way in which officers must use data, real time adjustments in strategy and the ability to "think out of the box" in an increasingly sophisticated battlefield is important. On an international level there are lot of very smart tech oriented people that will become part of the military make up and the officers that utilize that information will need to think in new ways. We support our military and its opportunities to develop, retrain and grow a new force of sophisticated leaders. West Point as a long history of training some of our finest.
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